Restrictions extended for a third time on sale of liquor at Port Augusta

Restrictions on the sale of liquor in Port Augusta could become permanent after the booze ban was extended for a third time in a bid to stamp out anti-social behaviour.

Restrictions on the sale of liquor at Port Augusta have extended for a third time while the Consumer Affairs Commissioner considers whether to make them permanent.

The second extension, under which bottle shops were unable to open until 11am, was due to expire on Tuesday but Dini Soulio, who is also Liquor and Gambling Commissioner, said more time was needed to consider the next steps.

“This is an issue that cannot be considered in isolation, and the consultation is progressing,” he said.

Currently restrictions have been extended until the end of August.

Locals have said they have not noticed a difference since the start of the restrictions on February 8 2022.

Tassie Tavern employee, Kenny Jaschinski said the restrictions “haven’t solved much”.

“Port Augusta has been a dry zone for many years but that hasn’t stopped people drinking in public,” he said.

Mr Jaschinski said the restrictions would be positive if they were enforced properly.

An assortment of wine casks. Picture: File

He said that currently, nothing stopped residents from bottle shop jumping to avoid the caps on liquor.

He said Port Augusta locals were afraid to shop at Woolworths due to the unruly and drunken behaviour of people near the entrance.

“A minority is ruining it for everyone,” he said.

Port Augusta Mayor, Brett Benbow said he was conscious of how the restrictions were affecting businesses but maintain “there’s definitely a difference” in the community, especially in the mornings.

“People are eating and having a coffee in the morning, when they normally wouldn’t,” he said.

Mr Benbow said he had not been made aware of any data that showed an improvement to the community but would be “interested” to see the results.

Port Augusta Mayor Brett Benbow. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

The Commissioner, Mr Soulio said: “We’re collecting data from a range of groups including, SAPOL, SA Health and local support services that will help inform any further decisions in this matter.”

Restrictions will mean that bottle shops at Port Augusta will not be permitted to open before 11am.

Customers can only purchase either one two-litre cask wine or one bottle of fortified wine, however this restriction does not apply to managers or supervisors of station properties or companies operating mining ventures or other licensees.

Further liquor cannot be sold to anyone seated in a taxi, including the taxi driver, however patrons will be able to purchase alcohol if they exit the taxi.